Those in the business of bottling and selling organic milk are preparing for a surge in the supply of raw milk. During the next few months, the amount of organic milk coming to market could swell by as much as 40%-70%.

As reported in Dairy Foods’ (Feb. p. 29), the additional supply was precipitated by a one-year grace period on a federal rule. Last June, the Department of Agriculture mandated that starting in one year, farmers would have to use 100% organic feed (rather than 80%) in the final transition year before certification. As a result, many farmers took steps to become certified before June 2007.

In Vermont alone, it is estimated that 80 to 85 new dairy farms have moved to organic milk in the past year.

Correction:
An article in the Feb. issue of Dairy Foods incorrectly identified the U.S. company which markets the Yoplait brand. The actual company is General Mills, of Minneapolis.